Jersey roads 40% more dangerous than UK

Death and serious injury rates on Jersey's roads are almost 40% higher than in the UK, figures reveal.

Serious casualty rates have not changed for 10 years, despite reductions elsewhere.

Analysts for the States described their findings as "a major cause for concern".

The research, seen by BBC News, was commissioned to help ministers compile a yet-to-be-published road safety strategy.

Analysis

Mike Weir, BBC Jersey

Visitors to Jersey from the UK often comment that the 40mph upper speed limit symbolises the slower pace of island life.

This research suggests that despite lower limits, island road users are much more likely to die or suffer life-changing injuries than road users in the UK. The problem may be worsening.

That may not be directly attributable to speed but a solution suggested by many of the island's constables is to cut speed limits. That, and the introduction of a penalty points system similar to the UK's.

Several sources say both proposals are likely to be included in a forthcoming government road safety strategy which has been two years in the making.

That is two years too long according to some community representatives.

Between 2003 and 2011, the period studied, there were, on average, 45 deaths or serious injuries in Jersey annually.

More recent figures suggest a worsening trend in Jersey with 57 serious casualties in 2012 and 63 last year.

Meanwhile, comparable rates on the mainland per head of population have fallen.

Moped and motorcycle serious casualty rates are double mainland levels while those for cyclists are 42% higher and pedestrian casualty rates are 18% higher.

There are 240 slight injuries on Jersey roads every year, on average, with little change since 2001.